Out Of The Blue Adventures Scenic River Cruise

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A two hour cruise up the Richmond River from Ballina as the light turns golden, winding through mangrove forests and quiet creeks around Ballina Island with a marine biologist pointing out the birdlife. Two cold drinks and locally made sweet and savoury bites are included.

Days

2 hours

Age

3 years and over

Group size

Shared cruise, min 6 guests

Start / finish

Ballina / Richmond River / Ballina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Small eco-vessel from Lance Ferris Wharf, Ballina

Meals

2 cold drinks and sweet and savoury bites

Route

Map of Out Of The Blue Adventures Scenic River Cruise

View map

Included experiences

Richmond River Nature Reserve — mangroves, creeks and birdlife
Ballina Island — cruise the channels around it
Marine biologist talk — river habitats and local history
Sunset — drinks on the water as the light fades

Out Of The Blue Adventures Scenic River Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE AFTERNOON: BOARDING AT BALLINA

The cruise leaves in the late afternoon, timed for sunset, from Lance Ferris Wharf on Fawcett Street in Ballina, right in front of the Wharf Bar & Restaurant. Arrive half an hour early to check in for the safety briefing, then board a small eco-vessel seating up to 20, with your two cold drinks and a plate of locally made sweet and savoury bites. Ballina's town centre sits on Ballina Island, ringed by the Richmond River and North Creek, and the trip loops through the quiet water around it. Rather than heading for the open sea, the boat turns upriver.

INTO THE MANGROVES

Soon the boat slips into the Richmond River Nature Reserve, slowing through mangrove forest and down narrow creeks you can't reach from the bank, with a few quicker runs in between for a burst of breeze. The marine biologist on board explains how the mangroves work as a nursery for fish, prawns and crabs, and shares stories of the river's history. About 160 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, among them ospreys, pelicans, terns and oystercatchers, many of them endangered. Keep watching the water too: dolphins sometimes swim in from the sea and up the river.

SUNSET ON THE RIVER

As the sun drops behind the hills of the hinterland, the boat drifts and the music goes low, so you can hear the birds settling into the mangroves for the night. The river turns gold, then pink. Sunset times shift through the season and with daylight saving, so the departure time moves with them. You're back at the wharf after about two hours, in time for dinner in Ballina.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Lance Ferris Wharf, 12 Fawcett Street, Ballina, directly in front of the Wharf Bar & Restaurant. Free parking nearby (time limits apply). Arrive 30 minutes early; the boat can't wait for latecomers.
Departure time: Late afternoon, timed for sunset. Times change through the season and with daylight saving; yours is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 hours.
Minimum age: 3 years. Children must be with an adult.
Suits: Families, couples and anyone keen on birds and wildlife.
Please note: Runs in the summer season, roughly December to March. A minimum of 6 guests is needed for the cruise to go ahead. The wharf is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs can't go on board; you need to be able to step onto the boat, with help if needed.

What to bring

Hat
Sunglasses
Camera
An extra layer, as it is cooler on the water

What is included

Two hour guided river cruise
Marine biologist guide
2 complimentary cold drinks
Locally made sweet and savoury bites
Life jackets

Not included

Dinner
Transfers to Ballina

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.